Additional Links

Masters etiquette: Know before you go

AP photo
Azaleas bloom in the foreground as spectators watch the first day of practice rounds on the 16th green for the Masters golf tournament Monday in Augusta.

As the Central Savannah River Area tees up for the 77th edition of The Masters Tournament, tournament officials have a few things spectators should keep in mind when preparing to head out to the Augusta National Golf Club this week.

Because the Masters Tournament is an international competition and contestants are considered invited guests, spectators are expected to behave with dignity and consideration at all times.

“In exchange for the privilege of viewing one of golf's greatest spectacles, it is anticipated that you will act courteously and display equal encouragement to all participants,” Augusta National states on its website. “Bad manners will not be tolerated.”

Patrons are asked to remain quiet when silence is required, be still when a shot is being executed and follow instructions from officials. Players should not be accosted, even if they are acquaintances.

Any excessive noise or shouting is not tolerated during the tournament and could result in the spectator being dismissed, according to Augusta National. Additionally, spectators are instructed to use crosswalks and never go “under the ropes” for any reason.

While it may be tempting to try and snag an autograph from your favorite golfer while he's passing by, the golf course maintains a “no autograph” policy. According to the tournament's website, autograph seeking is only allowed around the practice range and on the Par 3 course on Wednesday.

Cell phones, PDAs, tablets and any other electronic devices are prohibited inside the golf course and will result in the permanent loss of tickets, removal from the premises and a “substantial penalty” against your hosting company. These items may be checked in with concierges in the hospitality areas.

In addition to cameras and cell phones, other prohibited items include weapons of any kind (regardless of permit); beverage containers and coolers; alcoholic beverages; flags, banners and signs; folding armchairs, rigid chairs or stools; ladders and periscopes, radios, televisions and tape recorders, and strollers.

Augusta National will have chairs for sale on the course. Spectators may not carry more than one chair at a time and cannot run to put out chairs.

Personal bags or purses larger than 10 inches in width, 10 inches in height and 12 inches in diameter will not be allowed onto the premises, and all items will be subject to search.

Cameras are allowed for personal use only on practice round days – Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday; however, cameras are not allowed during tournament play.

Animals and pets are not allowed on the grounds except animals trained to assist or guide the physically impaired.

Comments

Notice about comments:

Aiken Standard is pleased to offer readers the enhanced ability to comment on stories. Some of the comments may be reprinted elsewhere in the site or in the newspaper. We ask that you refrain from profanity, hate speech, personal comments and remarks that are off point.

We do not edit user submitted statements and we cannot promise that readers will not occasionally find offensive or inaccurate comments posted in the comments area. If you find a comment that is objectionable, please click the X that appears in the upper right corner when you hover over a comment. This will send the comment to Facebook for review. Please be reminded, however, that in accordance with our Terms of Use and federal law, we are under no obligation to remove any third party comments posted on our website. Read our full terms and conditions.